I called Marlene "mi mama de Costa Rica" because she was really like a caring mom during our whole stay. Since we were staying 4 days, she gave us a bigger room (3 double beds, a big fridge and a microwave). She also gave us access to a full outside kitchen so we could cook (we used it a lot as we could prepare our lunch to take with us to the beach or other activities!) The beds were super comfortable, the A/C worked well, everything was clean and in good condition. Breakfast are amazing and you get to choose from a menu!(5 to 6 different options!) Kayak Lodge is split in 2 sections: The main section is where the dining room, reception, living room, recreation area(pool, foozball), garden and swimming pool. The other section (where we were staying) is across the street by the river and the mangrove and just as nice. We did kayaking in the mangrove all the way to Isla de Damas and the ocean. You can also book different tours with a guide to explore the mangroves as well. It is recommended to have a car to stay here. It is about 15 minutes drive to Manuel Antonio, 30 minutes to Dominical and 45 minutes to Playa Uvita.

We came to the Kayak Lodge after a long and hard drive, which we got robbed during it. after having this terrible day Bernard welcomed us with a worm and friendly hospitality, calmed us down and took us to a nice restaurant. The next day we were upgraded to one of the biggest hotel rooms i've seen, with around 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms (not that we needed it) TV sets and AC with a fan, a huge kitchen and a balcony to Damas river. We didnt have to pay extra for the upgrade. The next morning we woke up to monkeys scream and we saw monkey just in front of us, eating bananas from the balcony! amazing.
the place is a bit far from the city and the resort, but who cares? Bernarad made us feel like home, took care of us, he even put some Jewish traditional music to cheer us up. he and his lovely wife helped us so much and all our bad feelings disappeared. This is much more important to us then anything else

Booked this Lodge due to the reviews. Was not mistaken to have chosen it. The owners went over and above the call of duty. So warm, friendly and hospitable. The breakfasts were amazing!! The kayak tour of the mangroves was an experience I will never forget. We were really made to feel like part of their family. Got to see the monkeys up close and personal.
I feel like going back to Costa Rica, just so I can visit with these awesome people again and stay at their establishment.

Apart from the comfortable rooms, the hosts make you feel special at this quiet and relaxing lodge next to the mangroves a few blocks off the main highway. My friends daughter was celebrating a birthday and Marlene and Bernie played "Happy Birthday" lit a candle and made her feel special. We used this as a base for the very crowded Manuel Antonio Nat'l Park and the hosts let us shower and freshen up when we returned past check out time with no hurry as the room wasn't reserved that next night. The breakfast was delicious and filling. Highly recommended.